<p><strong>September 8 2015.</strong> DignityUSA the nations foremost organization of lesbian gay bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Catholics is deeply disappointed in the Vaticans statement that transgender people are unfit to be Godparents.</p> <p>This decision is a tragic demonstration of the Vaticans inability to see as God sees and sends yet another message of exclusion to transgender Catholics and those who love them said Marianne Duddy-Burke DignityUSAs Executive Director. If a childs parents want to lift up a transgender persons faith as a model for that child it is wrong for Church officials to interfere.</p> <p>Duddy-Burke continued In stating that a transgender person cannot lead a life according to the faith Vatican officials are demonstrating a sadly limited one-dimensional view of these people. A persons whole life must be considered. The reality is that many transgender people are deeply spiritual and give witness to Gods incredible creativity. Our Church is enriched by the presence and gifts of our transgender members.</p> <p>DignityUSA recently announced it would seek equality in sacramental access for all Catholics regardless of gender identity sexual orientation or relational status. This ruling is an example of the need for this work said Duddy-Burke. By creating new barriers to sacramental participation for transgender people and for families who prayerfully select them as Godparents for their children it becomes more difficult for people to feel fully included in the life of our Church. We do not believe this is in keeping with the Gospel and will continue to work for an end to policies like this.</p> <p class=rtecenter>###</p> <p><em>DignityUSA works for full equality of LGBT Catholics in the Church and society. It is one of the sponsors of the upcoming Pilgrimage of LGBT Catholic Families to the World Meeting of Families.</em></p>